Mumbai Metro Services Extended to Meet Ganeshotsav Demand

As the city of Mumbai gears up for the vibrant and much-celebrated Ganpati Festival, authorities have announced a significant extension of transportation services to accommodate the surge in commuters. The Maha Mumbai Metro Operation Corporation Ltd (MMMOCL) and Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) have both rolled out extra trips to ensure devotees can travel smoothly and safely during the 10-day festivities.

Extended Metro Services for Festival-Goers

In response to the increased demand during Ganeshotsav, MMMOCL has announced that metro services on Lines 2A and 7, connecting Dahisar to Andheri, will be extended from September 11 to September 17, 2024. The last metro trains from key stations like Andheri (West) and Gundavali will now operate until 11:30 PM, providing commuters with extra flexibility for their late-night travel plans.

This extension is part of a broader effort by city officials to ensure that the large number of devotees attending Ganpati celebrations can return home safely and without hassle. Dr. Sanjay Mukherjee, Metropolitan Commissioner of the MMRDA, emphasized the significance of the festival and the city’s commitment to ensuring seamless transportation for all residents. "Ganpati Festival is a significant cultural event in Mumbai, and it is our responsibility to provide seamless transportation for all devotees and citizens," he stated.

Additional metro services will also be introduced to help reduce congestion. Notably, extra trips will run between Gundavali, Andheri (West), and Dahisar (East), allowing for a smoother commute and reducing traffic bottlenecks.

Details of Extended Metro Services

The extended metro services will include several additional trips from key terminals:

Gundavali to Andheri (West): 22:20 hrs, 22:39 hrs, 22:50 hrs, and 23:00 hrs

Andheri (West) to Gundavali: 22:20 hrs, 22:40 hrs, 22:50 hrs, and 23:00 hrs

Gundavali to Dahisar (East): 23:15 hrs and 23:30 hrs

Andheri (West) to Dahisar (East): 23:15 hrs and 23:30 hrs

In total, 20 additional metro trips will be introduced, greatly enhancing commuter convenience during the festival season.

BEST to Deploy Extra Buses for Night Services

In addition to the extended metro services, BEST has also announced that it will deploy 24 extra buses during the Ganeshotsav period. These buses will operate from 10:30 PM to 6:00 AM, covering nine key routes, including Worli to Kalachowki, Sir JJ Hospital to Oshiwara Depot, and Jijamata Udyan to Shivaji Nagar Terminal.

The extra bus services are intended to ease congestion on the roads, particularly for festival-goers traveling late at night. With the additional trips, residents can expect a smoother commute, despite the heavy traffic often experienced during this festive period.

Ensuring Safe and Reliable Travel

Both MMMOCL and BEST are committed to ensuring that commuters have access to safe and reliable transportation throughout the festival. Rubal Agarwal, Managing Director of MMMOCL, stated, “The additional services will not only reduce congestion but also ensure safe and reliable travel for those returning home after participating in festival activities.”

With these transportation enhancements, Mumbaikars can look forward to a more convenient and stress-free journey during Ganeshotsav 2024, whether by metro or bus, ensuring they can fully participate in the festivities without worrying about getting home.